turnkey

1 of 2

adjective

turn·​key ˈtərn-ˌkē How to pronounce turnkey (audio)
: built, supplied, or installed complete and ready to operate
a turnkey nuclear plant
a turnkey computer system
also : of or relating to a turnkey building or installation
a turnkey contract
turnkey vendors

turnkey

2 of 2

noun

plural turnkeys
: one who has charge of a prison's keys

Examples of turnkey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Bourbon Butlers offer our guests a turnkey way to engage with all Bardstown has to offer, without having to lift a finger. Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 The three-story house was delivered, like most upmarket specs, in turnkey condition: brand-new plumbing, flawless framing, nothing sagging or squeaking. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
Getty Jen McDonald is a garden expert and co-owner of Garden Girls, a turnkey design and installation firm based in Houston, Texas. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Simplified programming and turnkey solutions can make advanced robotics accessible to small businesses— a massive driver of the U.S. economy—to compete and remain efficient. Mark Minevich, Time, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for turnkey

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1860, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnkey was in 1622

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Cite this Entry

“Turnkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnkey. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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